News

Livestock care in extreme heat

Livestock owners are reminded to take special care of their stock over the coming days of extreme heat.

Primary Industries and Regions SA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Roger Paskin, said shade, shelter and plenty of cool water are the key to keeping livestock healthy during the hot weather.

“Animals need shade and shelter to protect them from the sun and wind,” he said.

“They need a supply of cool water close to the shade – animals drink up to double the amount of water in hot weather.

“Keep troughs clean especially when moving stock into a new paddock – evaporation can cause trough water to become very saline and undrinkable. Where possible, bury water pipes to prevent breakage and build-up of heat.

“If possible don’t let animals access dams at low levels. The dam can become boggy and animals accessing the water may get stuck.

“Livestock should be checked daily to ensure they are coping with the heat.

“Heat stress can be fatal for animals. The first signs of heat stress are sweating, panting, and drooling. They may be restless and bellowing.

“If you are not living at the property ask a neighbour to check the animals. And any stock movements should be minimised both on-farm and off-farm.

“If stock need to be moved it should be done during the night or the coolest part of the day, for example early in the morning.

“Livestock transporters should have contingency plans in place to handle unexpected breakdowns.

“Poultry are very susceptible to heat and if they are kept in a shed that is not fitted with an effective cooling system, the shed should be cooled by wetting the shed or hanging wet hessian in breezeways. Birds too need access to plenty of cool water.

“Pets should never be left in cars, even with the windows wound down.”

Visit www.ses.sa.gov.au for more information and advice on extreme heat.

Upcoming Events

Meet, taste and discover South Australia’s best produce at Cellar Door Fest. The state’s most awarded food and beverage festival, Cellar Door Fest shines a spotlight on more than 180 wineries, breweries, distilleries and food producers from across 17 South Australian regions, all under one roof in the heart of the city.

Wine is an integral part of life in South Australia and combined with premium local food and unique tourism experiences offers, our membership in this exclusive group is well deserved. It is with immense pride that we now sit amongst these regions as a Great Wine Capital of the World.

Being part of the network will put Adelaide 'on the map' internationally and help South Australia increase its profile as a producers of premium food and wine and provider of superb wine tourism experiences. It lifts the bar and strengthens the identity for Adelaide and for South Australia.

Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), Brand South Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) are the founding partners of Adelaide's membership.

So while you are visiting this year's Cellar Door Fest – come and visit the ‘Great Wine Capitals Discovery Space’ and sample some of South Australia’s best wines from the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism award winners and also participate in the free masterclass sessions offered at the stand over the weekend.

Pick up a bargain at the wholesale fresh fruit and veg market, browse and buy from the community stalls, get a delicious lunch from a great range of food trucks / displays, enjoy local wines, let the kids loose in the play areas and see cooking demonstrations by Sprout cooking School and Empire Café, listen to the live band and more!

You can also meet Cosi, who be the MC and will be giving out five FREE fresh fruit and veg hampers. Pick up a ticket when you enter the gates ($2 adult entry fee to support the local community).